March Madness has only just started, and while millions of fans are set to tune in to watch the action unfold, a record-breaking $3.1 billion is expected to be wagered on this year’s tournaments.
This colossal figure marks a projected $400 million jump in betting activity, according to the American Gaming Association (AGA), and is considered a direct result of more and more states continuing to permit legal sports wagering.
As the first flurry of games tip-off, both of this year’s 68-team NCAA tournaments are set to captivate fans and bettors alike as top seeds the Auburn Tigers in the men’s tournament and UCLA in the women’s competition, take on their seasoned rivals.
Sat with a front-row seat, Joe Maloney, Senior Vice President of Strategic Communications at the AGA, illustrates it best, stating: “March Madness is one of the most exciting times in American sports, with fans first up for both the men’s and women’s NCAA tournaments. As legal wagering expands across the U.S., more fans than ever have the opportunity to bet legally and responsibly.”
This year’s projected $3.1 billion betting handle isn’t the only key indicator of March Madness’ massive popularity, as the NCAA looks to build on 2024’s championship games’ TV ratings success.
While last year’s men’s championship game between UConn and Purdue drew in over 14.69 million viewers, it was the women’s March Madness final that stole all the headlines, having pulled in over 18.7 million viewers in a clear sign of the rising interest in women’s basketball.
With the 2025 NCAA March Madness Final Four stages to be held at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas, on April 5th, and the women’s finals on April 6th in Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida, anticipation for this year’s nationwide celebration of basketball has been phenomenal.
As millions tune in to watch all 136 teams vie to reach the Final Four stage, those who participate in a gameday moneyline flutter or an in-play prop bet this year will all be playing their part in what is sure to be a record-breaking year for sportsbook betting during the NCAA March Madness competition.
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